<p>So I've seen a few threads about self-studying AP Music Theory, but none that seem to give a definitive answer to its feasibility.
I have the option to take AP Music Theory next semester, although I am quite scared to do so (the teacher doesn't like me since I ended up quitting band and I'm a little worried about how I'll fare among some really talented musicians taking the class).</p>
<p>So I'm looking at:
1. Take the class, possibly pass-no credit and then take the AP test this year.
2. Self-study and take the test this year (the way I see it, there's no risk if I can't get the material).
3. Self-study next year.</p>
<p>I have had considerable success self-studying for AP tests in the past, but this seems like a different beast altogether.
Thoughts?</p>
<p>Don’t self study music theory- it’s incredibly difficult even with a teacher, mainly because of aural skills. My brother “self-studied” but he basically doubled the length of his piano lessons so his teacher could teach him. This was a kid who was already competing at a national level on his primary instrument. I took the course and, while I found the teacher not knowledgeable enough on some of the written components, she was the choir director, so she was very skilled at teaching sight singing and other aural skills. Even with playing piano since age 4 (extensive theory study through piano lessons) and being an all-state musician on my primary instrument, I struggled with the aural skills. I got a 5 on the exam, but a 4 on the aural subscore. I probably would have done much worse without the class.</p>